Tyler, John, 1790-1862 to Spencer Roane
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03670 Author/Creator: Tyler, John, 1790-1862 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 February 1820 Pagination: 5 p. : address : free frank ; 24.6 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Tyler as Republican Congressman from Virginia to Roane as Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Writes to Roane about issues surrounding the Missouri Compromise debates. Tyler was concerned with Northern arguments that claimed Congress could restrict slavery in the Territories through their Constitutional powers. Says he is worried "about the nature of the power which is attempted to be exercised by Congress[.] you and myself cannot fail to agree in pronouncing it a bold and daring assumption - warranted neither by the constitution or the principles of justice." Describes the political jockeying on the bills to admit Missouri and Maine. Claims "restriction on the Territories is unjust, not to say unconstitutional." Speculates on President's Monroe's opinions. Fears the growing population of North, saying the power of the slaveholders will decrease with the next census.
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